U.S. patent number 7,981,143 [Application Number 10/661,371] was granted by the patent office on 2011-07-19 for linear fastener system and method for use.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Spinal LLC. Invention is credited to Robert L. Doubler, John E. Hammill, Sr..
United States Patent |
7,981,143 |
Doubler , et al. |
July 19, 2011 |
Linear fastener system and method for use
Abstract
The present invention provides a linear fastening system capable
of rapid engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the
system utilizes a cooperating collet member and a compression ring
member which are constructed and arranged to slip easily over a
shank member. The fastener system is secured by sliding a
compression member in a linear overlapping fashion over the collet
member thereby utilizing the conical surfaces to compress the
collet member to grip the outer surface of the shank member. In
this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a
secure connection between multiple components without the need to
apply rotational torque to the assembly.
Inventors: |
Doubler; Robert L. (Ida,
MI), Hammill, Sr.; John E. (Rossford, OH) |
Assignee: |
Spinal LLC (Palm Beach Gardens,
FL)
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Family
ID: |
34227069 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/661,371 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2003 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20050053423 A1 |
Mar 10, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B
37/0864 (20130101); Y10T 403/7067 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
17/84 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;606/72,73,104
;623/22.42 ;411/39,40,41,42,75 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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197 20 782 |
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Nov 1998 |
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DE |
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100 05 386 |
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Aug 2001 |
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DE |
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WO 00/15125 |
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Mar 2000 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Robert; Eduardo C
Assistant Examiner: Comstock; David
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McHale & Slavin, P.A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A linear fastener system comprising: a shank member including an
outer gripping surface means formed along a first end and a second
end; a collet member having a base end, a top end, an inner
engaging surface means configured to mesh with said outer gripping
surface means of said shank member, and an outer tapered
compression surface; and a compression ring member having a base
end, a front end, an inner tapered compression surface having a
substantially conjugate taper conforming to said outer tapered
surface of said collet member, and an outer surface; said inner
tapered compression surface of said compression ring member
constructed and arranged for linear overlapping movement in
relation to said outer tapered compression surface of said collet
member between a first gripping position and a second release
position, said gripping position resulting in frictional engagement
between a substantial portion of said inner tapered compression
surface and said outer tapered compression surface to maintain
engagement of said collet and said compression ring members and to
compress said collet member thereby gripping said outer gripping
surface of said shank member and wherein said release position
maintains a sufficient portion of said frictional cooperation to
maintain an interfitting relationship between said collet and said
compression ring members and results in expansion of said collet
member thereby releasing said outer gripping surface of said shank
member.
2. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said inner
engaging surface is generally smooth.
3. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said inner
engaging surface is threaded.
4. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said inner
engaging surface is knurled.
5. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said inner
engaging surface has a conjugate shape in relation to said outer
gripping surface of said shank member.
6. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said inner
engaging surface has at least one inwardly depending lip, wherein
said inwardly depending lip is constructed and arranged to
cooperate with a conjugate surface on said outer gripping surface
of said shank member.
7. The linear fastener system of claim 6 wherein said inwardly
depending lip is constructed and arranged to cooperate with at
least one snap ring groove.
8. The linear fastener system of claim 6 wherein said inwardly
depending lip includes at least one conical surface; wherein said
outer gripping surface of said shank member has a conjugate conical
surface.
9. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said tensioning
portion includes at least two generally flat surfaces.
10. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said tensioning
portion includes at least one groove extending around the
circumference of said first end of said shank member.
11. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said shank member
includes a tensioning portion, said tensioning portion includes at
least one internal bore extending inwardly from said first end
along the longitudinal centerline of said shank member.
12. The linear fastener system of claim 11 wherein said internal
bore includes threads.
13. The linear fastener system of claim 11 wherein said internal
bore includes at least one groove extending around the
circumference of said internal bore.
14. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said outer
surface of said compression member includes at least two wrench
flats for increasing or decreasing the said tension applied to said
shank member.
15. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said collet
member is constructed of plastic.
16. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said collet
member is constructed of copper.
17. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said collet
member is constructed of brass.
18. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said collet
member is constructed of bronze.
19. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said collet
member is constructed of aluminum.
20. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said collet
member is constructed of steel.
21. The linear fastener system of claim 1 wherein said collet
member is constructed of rubber.
22. A linear fastener system comprising: a shank member including
an outer gripping surface means formed along a first end and a
second end; a collet member having a base end, a top end, an inner
engaging surface means configured to mesh with said outer gripping
surface means of said shank member, and an outer tapered
compression surface; and a compression ring member having a base
end, a front end, an inner tapered compression surface having a
substantially conjugate taper conforming to said outer tapered
surface of said collet member, and an outer surface; said inner
tapered compression surface of said compression ring member
constructed and arranged for linear overlapping movement in
relation to said outer tapered compression surface of said collet
member between a first gripping position and a second release
position, wherein positioning said inner tapered compression
surface over said outer tapered compression surface defines said
gripping position to compress said collet member thereby gripping
said outer gripping surface of said shank member and wherein
positioning first groove over said outer tapered compression
surface defines said release position allowing expansion of said
collet member thereby releasing said outer gripping surface of said
shank member.
23. The linear fastener system of claim 22 wherein said outer
tapered compression surface of said collet member and said inner
tapered surface of said compression member are constructed and
arranged to maintain an interfitting relationship in said release
position.
24. The linear fastening system of claim 22 wherein said outer
tapered compression surface includes at least one second groove
having a reduced diameter with respect to said outer tapered
compression surface, said second groove constructed and arranged to
align with said groove in said inner surface of said compression
ring while in said release position.
25. The linear fastening system of claim 22 wherein said shank
member includes a tensioning portion at said first end whereby said
shank member is configured to be tensilely loaded when said collet
member is in said release position.
26. The linear fastening system of claim 25 wherein said tensioning
portion includes a frangible stem, whereby said frangible stem is
severed from said first end of said shank member when said shank
member reaches a predetermined tension.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to patent application Ser. No.
10/358,427, filed Apr. 4, 2003, the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fasteners capable of rapid linear
engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the system
utilizes a combination of interlocking sleeve members which combine
to form a versatile and effective fastener system which may be used
to connect components together without placing torque on the
assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general, a fastener is any device used to connect or join two or
more components to create an assembly. In the field of
manufacturing there are numerous assembly processes requiring
individual components to be joined with fasteners to create an
assembled product. Most of these processes, requiring fixations of
one component in relation to another are currently performed using
threaded fasteners for connections. The most common threaded
fasteners are referred to by many names, among them: bolts, screws,
nuts, studs, lag screws, and set screws.
Since the invention of the threaded fastener, and particularly the
bolt and nut combination, various attempts aimed at improving the
efficiency of assembling components with threaded fasteners have
been made. For this reason, today's product designer has an
extraordinary array of choices and possible permutations of known
fastening concepts and features. Literally hundreds of types and
variations of threaded fasteners are available. Because threaded
fastener connections often have a significant impact on assembly
cost and product reliability, a great deal of design effort is
directed to more efficient designs. Fastener design effort
typically involves compromises among considerations such as cost,
size, reliability, performance, ease of manufacture, and retrofit
capability to existing product designs. While some of these designs
improve assembly efficiency, they often result in extremely
complex, specialized and expensive fastening components.
In addition to the assembly costs associated with threaded
fasteners, the rotational torque required for proper utilization of
threaded fasteners is often undesired. When a bolt is used to clamp
two parts, the force exerted between the parts is the clamping
load. The clamping load is created by exerting a tightening torque
on the nut or the head of the screw. These forces keep the threads
of the mating parts in intimate contact and decrease the
probability of the fastener loosening in service. These forces may
damage delicate assemblies, such as electronics and the like. Lock
washers, plastic inserts in the nut or bolt, adhesives, cotter
pins, locking tabs, etc. are often used to reduce the torque
required to prevent a nut and bolt combination from becoming loose
during operation. While these devices are generally effective, they
add cost and complexity to the assembly operation especially where
automated equipment is utilized.
Accordingly, what is lacking in the prior art is a cost effective
fastening system capable of linear engagement. The fastener system
should achieve objectives such as providing improved manufacturing
and assembly efficiency, effective reliable performance, corrosion
resistance, and torque-less assembly. The system should include
packaging flexibility for installation on various products
including retrofitting existing product configurations with minimal
modification of the original product.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
A number of prior art threaded fastening systems exist for
attaching components together to form an assembly. Most of the
systems, for example bolts and nuts, utilize a combination of
internally and externally threaded components to achieve the
clamping forces necessary to create the desired assemblies.
It is also known in the prior art to provide various fasteners
capable of partial linear and partial rotational engagement. These
fasteners generally feature radially inwardly or outwardly biased
arcuate segments mounted to engage the threads of a bolt, nut or
other threaded member. The threaded segments are generally movably
mounted within a casing or around a shaft and resiliently urged
inwardly or outwardly. Typically the devices are provided with
axially spaced apart radially inwardly directed surfaces of
revolution, such as frustoconical surfaces, extending at a common
acute angle to the axis of the fastener. In this manner the
fasteners and couplings may be secured by merely pushing the
threaded components together, thereafter final tightening is
accomplished by rotation of the fasteners.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,443 to Cabahug discloses a male coupling device
featuring movably mounted threaded members which are capable of
rapid engagement and disengagement with respect to the stationary
threads of a female coupling device. The male coupling device
includes a handled shaft having a plurality of threaded segments
surrounding the shaft, a sleeve is mounted to move relative to the
handle to move the threaded segments inwardly and outwardly to
effectively vary the diameter of the assembled threaded
elements.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,816 to Cabahug discloses an apparatus for
rapidly engaging and disengaging threaded coupling members. The
complex device includes pin assemblies moveably fitted within
adjacent V-shaped segments of the movably mounted externally
threaded elements. The device is constructed such that as the
coupling members are moved relative to one another the pin
assemblies force the threaded elements apart. In addition, ball
assemblies are required to maintain proper alignment and locking
action of the threaded segments, further adding to the complexity
of the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,108 to Cabahug discloses apparatus for rapidly
engaging and disengaging threaded coupling members, which
eliminates the ball assemblies of his prior disclosure. The device
includes an outer body with a plurality of pull/lock/torque pins
extending inwardly to cooperate with oval indentations and
apertures extending along the side of the threaded segments. When
the sleeve associated with the outer body is moved down, the pins
abut the oval indentations to lock the threaded elements in place.
As the sleeve is pulled upwardly the pull/lock/torque pins clear a
ledge formed on the threaded segments allowing them to move.
Continued pulling back of the sleeve allows the pins to pass
through apertures and causes the threaded segments to engage a ramp
to direct the segments back and away from the bolt member. The
construction requires extremely tight machining tolerances to
prevent the pins from deflecting to the side and preventing
operation of the device. In addition, the amount of torque which
can be applied to the threaded segments is limited to that which
the pins and the oval indentations can withstand, limiting the
device to light duty applications.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,187 to Fullerton discloses a quick acting nut
assembly. The device consists of a multi-part nut casing having an
inclined interior surface adapted for sliding engagement with a
threaded jam nut which wedges therein. As the jam nut moves in a
first direction along the inclined surface, it compresses radially
and the threads of the jam nut engage the threads of the bolt. As
the jam nut moves in a second direction along the inclined surface,
it may expand radially and disengage from the bolt. When the jam
nut is in the engaged position it may be tightened by conventional
rotational motion. As the device is tightened the threaded segments
increase pressure against the fastener making the task of torquing
the fastener to a specified torque difficult. In addition, due to
the size of the device, it requires additional space for wrench
clearance and the like.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,324,150 and 5,427,488 to Fullerton disclose
threaded fasteners having a casing that enclose at least three
inwardly biased arcuate segments positioned to engage the threads
of a bolt. The casing defines spaced apart frustoconical surfaces
directed toward the fastener and positioned to engage corresponding
surfaces of the segments when the fastener is turned in a first
direction. The casing is also provided with a second frustoconical
surface for urging the threaded arcuate segments away from the bolt
when the fastener is turned in a second direction.
While the prior art devices allow partial linear engagement they
require rotational torque to produce the clamping forces required
to maintain assemblies. These devices also require extensive
machining of thin sections and require difficult assembly processes
for manufacture. This combination results in high production cost
and weak finished components. Still further, it is well known in
the art that cold forming manufacturing techniques result in much
stronger and more reliable fasteners. The designs of the prior art
devices do not lend themselves to traditional fastener
manufacturing techniques, e.g. cold forming, thread rollers,
pointers, nut tappers, slotters, shavers etc., adding to the high
manufacturing cost and reducing the strength of the fasteners. The
present invention teaches a linear fastener system that includes an
inner collet member and an outer compressing member that is capable
of rapid linear actuated engagement and/or disengagement. In
addition, the present invention teaches a linear engaging fastener
that is capable of applying precise clamping force to the assembled
components without rotating the fastening members. Still further
the present invention teaches a fastener system that lends itself
to multiple manufacturing techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a linear fastening system capable of
rapid linear engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the
system utilizes a cooperating collet member and a compression ring
member which are constructed and arranged to slip easily over a
shank member while in a first release position. The collet member
is constructed and arranged with an inner engaging surface and an
outer tapered compression surface, the compression ring member
being constructed and arranged with an inner tapered compression
surface preferably conjugate in shape the outer surface of the
collet member. The fastener system is secured by sliding the
compression member in a linear overlapping fashion over the collet
member, thereby utilizing the conical surfaces to compress the
collet member and place a tensile load on the compression ring to
grip the outer surface of the shank member. In this manner, the
linear fastener system is capable of providing a secure connection
between multiple components without the need to apply rotational
torque to the assembly. The connection also allows full thread
engagement and a locking connection without the need for plastic
inserts or adhesives. When compared to traditional threaded
fasteners, the dual conical compression surfaces allow very precise
tensile loads to be applied to the shank member. Prior art designs
require torque wrenches to apply measured clamping loads to
fasteners. Linear compression of the collet member eliminates
variations as seen in the prior art due to surface finish,
lubrication and variations in thread engagement to achieve a
precise clamping load.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide
a fastener system capable of securing multiple components into a
single assembly without the need to apply torque to the
assembly.
An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a
fastener system capable of linear engagement and disengagement.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a
fastener system capable of providing linear engagement to
externally threaded surfaces and the like.
A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a
fastener system capable of providing linear engagement to snap ring
grooves and the like.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a fastener
system capable of providing precise linear clamping forces to a
shank member.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a
fastener system suited for automated manufacturing and
assembly.
Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a fastener system that allows close spacing and does not require
wrench clearances.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent
from the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration
and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings
constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary
embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects
and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 shows a perspective one embodiment of the instant invention
being utilized to secure an automotive valve cover;
FIG. 2 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the collet member
of this invention;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the collet member
of this invention;
FIG. 4 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the collet member
of this invention;
FIG. 5 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the compression
ring of this invention;
FIG. 6 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the compression
ring of this invention;
FIG. 7 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the compression
ring of this invention;
FIG. 8 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the shank member of
this invention;
FIG. 9 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the shank member of
this invention;
FIG. 10 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the shank member
of this invention;
FIG. 11 shows assembly with linear coupling of this invention.
FIG. 12 shows assembly with linear coupling of this invention;
FIG. 13 shows a side view partially in section illustrating one
embodiment of the present invention in cooperation with a snap ring
groove;
FIG. 14 shows a side view partially in section illustrating one
embodiment of the present invention in cooperation with a generally
smooth shank surface;
FIG. 15 shows a side view partially in section illustrating one
embodiment of the present invention in cooperation with a knurled
shank surface;
FIG. 16 shows a side view partially in section illustrating one
embodiment of the present invention in cooperation with a threaded
shank surface;
FIG. 17 shows an implement for applying linear compression;
FIG. 18 shows a perspective exploded view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 shows a section view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18
illustrating the linear fastener in the release position; and
FIG. 20 shows a section view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18
illustrating the linear fastener in the secured position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Although the invention is described in terms of a preferred
specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled
in this art that various modifications, rearrangements and
substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the
invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims
appended hereto.
The linear engaging fasteners 10 utilized to secure the automotive
valve cover 14, shown in FIG. 1, are a representation of the
general utility of the present invention. The linear fastener
generally includes a collet member 11 and a compression ring member
12 which are constructed and arranged to cooperate with a shank
member 13. The collet member 11 shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, is slid
or loosely threaded over the external gripping surface 15 of a
shank member 13 generally shown in FIGS. 8 through 10. The external
surface 18 of collet member 11 is tapered or conical in form. The
internal gripping surface 31 of collet member 11 is generally
constructed and arranged to have a conjugate surface to the
gripping surface 15 of the shank member 13 for cooperative
engagement therebetween. In addition, the internal gripping surface
of the collet member may be constructed and arranged to exert a
tensile force on the shank member when compressed. This
construction allows precise clamping forces to be applied to an
assembly, allows full surface engagement between the shank member
and the collet member, and facilitates a locking connection without
inserts or adhesive. The collet member 11 may also include a flared
base 19 suitable to distribute clamping force over a wide area or
provide a bearing surface for relative rotation of adjacent
components. The collet member may be constructed of materials well
known in the art which may include but should not be limited to
steel, bronze, brass, copper, aluminum, plastic, or rubber, as well
as suitable combinations thereof. The compression ring 12, shown in
FIGS. 5 through 7, has a tapered interior surface 20 which is
complementary to the taper of collet member 11. The compression
ring 12 may be constructed with a flange 21 about the upper
surface. The flange 21 may have optional lugs 22 formed in a
C-shape for engaging an extractor (not shown) used to remove or
disconnect the coupling. The flange may also have optional wrench
flats 23 for engaging wrenches and/or sockets that are well known
in the art.
The shank member 13 is generally illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10.
The shank member includes an outer gripping surface 15 which is
preferably round in shape, but may be oval, hex, d-shaped, square,
rectangular or have other shapes well known in the art that are
suitable for shank and/or shaft use. The outer gripping surface may
also include any number of surface finishes well known in the art
to enhance the gripping action between the shank member and the
collet member, including but not limited to, threads, knurl, rings,
snap ring grooves, generally smooth or tapered surface, or suitable
combinations thereof, as well as other surfaces suitable for
providing adequate grip to secure an assembly.
FIGS. 11 and 12 show non-limiting alternative methods of assembly
of the linear fastener 10. In FIG. 11, the collet member 11 can be
slid or loosely threaded onto the gripping surface 15 of the shank
member, illustrated herein having exterior threads, with the
external taper extending from a large diameter in contact with the
component 23 to a smaller diameter. The relationship between the
threads on the shank and the collet are constructed and arranged to
cause a clamping force when the collet is compressed. The shank
member may also include an optional tensioning means constructed
and arranged to allow a predetermined amount of clamping force or
tension to be applied to the components and/or the shank member.
The optional tensioning means illustrated herein in a non-limiting
embodiment as an internal bore 32 which includes internal threads
28. The internal bore is constructed and arranged to cooperate with
a tension rod 25. The tension rod includes external threads 26
which are threaded into the internal threads 28 of the shank
member. The external threads 26 engage internal threads 28 of the
shank member to apply a predetermined amount of clamping force to
the component(s) 23 prior to sliding the compression ring 12 over
the collet member 11. The tapered wall 20 of compression ring 12 is
frictionally engaged with the tapered wall 18 of the collet member
11. The linear compression coupling results from equal and opposite
forces, A and B, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, being applied to the
compression ring and the collet member, simultaneously.
FIG. 12 shows an alternative tension means for applying a
predetermined amount of clamping force to a component, wherein the
shank member 13 includes a tip 24 constructed and arranged to be
grasped by an assembly tool 90 (FIG. 17). Other alternative tension
means suitable for grasping the shaft member to apply a
predetermined amount of clamping force to the components prior to
engaging the linear fastener may include but should not be limited
to frangible stems, internal or external grooves, cross drilled
apertures, internal bores and flats as well as other suitable means
well known in the art.
In FIGS. 13 through 16, final assembly of the collet member 11 and
the compression ring 12 are shown engaging various outer gripping
surfaces 15 of shank members 13. FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment
wherein an inwardly depending lip 40 on the inner gripping surface
31 of the collet member 11 engages a corresponding
circumferentially extending groove formed into the external
gripping surface 15 of the shank 13, such as a snap ring groove
42.
FIG. 17 shows an instrument having a pistol grip 93, a power source
94 and concentric pistons 91 and 92. Piston 92 is sized to grip the
tension rod. Piston 91 is sized to seat on the compression ring. As
the instrument 90 (FIG. 17) applies progressive pressure through
concentric pistons 91 and 92, the compression ring 12 moves
downwardly reducing the diameter of the collet member 11 through
the interaction of the complementary tapers. The interior gripping
surface of the collet member tightly engages the external gripping
surface of the shank.
Once all slack is taken out of the linear coupling, the extension
rod may be constructed to break at the limit of optimum pressure.
Alternatively, the instrument 90 may have a gauge for setting the
desired pressure wherein the shank member is released after
compression.
In the event that a linear fastener must be removed, a similar
instrument may be employed. One of the pistons would have a flange
with flat lugs. The instrument would be placed over the compression
ring and turned to engage the flat lugs and opposite force is
applied to remove the compression ring from the collet member. The
linear coupling is separated without placing pressure on the
fastened components.
FIGS. 18 through 20 show an alternative embodiment of the present
invention wherein progressive linear engagement of the compression
ring over the collet member applies tension to the shank member as
it ramps upwardly on the collet member. In this embodiment the
shank member includes at least one conical or angled surface 29
which cooperates with a conjugate surface 30 within the collet
member 11.
All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are
indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the
invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention
is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or
arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not
to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the
specification.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain
the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *